Chief deputy named sheriff

November 2, 2010

There's a new sheriff in town, but the new law enforcement leader for Catawba County is no stranger.
Republican Coy Reid received almost 74 percent of the general election vote Tuesday to defeat Democratic challenger Doris Kirby. According to unofficial results from Catawba County Board of Elections, the sheriff's department long-time chief deputy received 30,636 votes, compared to Kirby's 10,365 votes.
"It is humbling. When you can get 75 percent of anything it is a humbling experience," Reid said Tuesday night amid a celebration at Newton Expo. "I appreciate the voters out there, and it shows they have a lot of faith in the sheriff's department that is here now; the deputies and the personnel that is here doing a great job, and the public is happy with it. That is the reason I got the 75 percent."
Kirby said she was disappointed with the outcome.
"The county spoke .... I am going to live with it," she said. "I wish the Democratic Party had won out, but I don't look at the sheriff's race as Democrat or Republican. I feel like the law is the law, and it should serve everyone."
Reid has served with the Catawba County Sheriff's Department since 1977, apart from a two-and-a-half year absence, when he was involved in private investigation work.